It is no secret that, when you get outside and see your deck, fence, or siding growing dull and gray. The beauty of outdoor wood can be gradually removed by sun, rain, mildew, and pollen. What had been warm and rich begins to wear a weary and weather-grayed expression. That is where a wood renewer fits in – your one-stop fixer to bring back the natural beauty in the grayed and weathered wood.
To the homeowners in the U.S.A., outdoor wood care is not just a matter of appearance to them but a matter of protecting your investment. A good wood renewer has the ability to clean, lighten up, and prepare your wood surface such that it is ready to receive a fresh stain or finish that will last many years.
Why You Have Grayed and Weathered Wood
Honestly speaking, wood is better when it is fresh and alive. That can be altered by exposure to sunlight, moisture and pollution. The UV rays destroy the surface fibers and the protective oils are washed away by the rain and snow. After a long time that natural tan becomes the gray dullness which we know as weathered wood. Put in pollen, mildew and dirt and you have a surface that is rough and dead.
Most house owners believe that the only solution to this is to change the wood or paint it. However, you need not take that brush before you know: you will be able to revive it with a wood renewer. These products penetrate deep within the surface of the wood and removes dirt off of the surface and reveal the clean surface beneath, which can be sealed or re-stained.
What Exactly Is a Wood ReNewer?
Wood renewer is a special purpose cleaner that is used to take off dirt, mildew and UV damage in exterior wood. It is applied on the decks, fences, log homes, and other outdoor buildings that have been subjected to extreme weather. The best part? It is a simple, easy and environmentally friendly method of transforming your wood into a new one without depriving it of its cover.
The U.S. market has some of the most effective renewers, which include:
- Wood ReNew: a biodegradable percarbonate wood cleaner that whitens grayed and weathered wood. It is foaming and rises up, carrying off filthy and old discolouration.
- Net-Trol: a strong, water-based cleaner and brightener which restores natural colour in as little as 15 minutes and is safe on plants and shrubs.
- Wood and Deck Cleaner and Brightener by Messmer: this is used in log homes, decks and fences to clean up, and then apply a new stain.
All the products address the grayed or weathered wood in a different manner but they all have one thing in common; make the wood clean, refreshed, and ready to protect it in the proper way.
Other Useful Wood Cleaner Products
Whereas wood restorers work on the exterior, the interior surfaces usually require another touch. Finished wood products such as Weiman Furniture Polish leave no residue behind and clean and condition the wood. Pledge Restoring oil feeds the wood to give it a shiny appearance. Howard Feed-N-Wax is a beeswax and orange oil product that provides a shine and protection. Murphy Oil Soap is used to clean surfaces without losing the natural oils and is gentle enough to clean the surfaces. Restor-A-Finish and ZAP! Both Professional Wood Cleaner and Restorer are used to restore and polish wood furniture in the house with a natural look.
In other words, then consider it like this: polishes and oils keep your interior wood shining, whereas a wood renewer restores the exterior wood which the elements have worn out.
Step-by-Step: How to Use a Wood ReNewer
Outdoor wood restoration does not necessarily need to be hard or sloppy. The following is a simple step that can be taken by any homeowner:
Prep the Place
Begin with clearing the surface. Dislodge furniture and wrap up surrounding plants with plastic. Blow away dust, leaves and pollen. When the wood is thickly grained, then a pressure washer with a low setting is used to loosen the grime. This assists in making your wood renewer work better.
Mix the Product
Products such as Wood ReNew are mostly in form of a concentrate. Add a gallon of warm water to make the cleaner active and to make it thicker. Do not empty any remaining product in the drains or waterways it is biodegradable but must be disposed.
Apply Generously
Apply the mixture freely on the surface with a mop or a brush. Ensure that it is well coated. The minute you put it on, you will notice that it begins to fizz, that is the cleaner working away the dirt and the accumulation. Do not spot-clean, do the whole area to get uniform results.
Let It Work
Allow the wood renewer time of 10-15 minutes to work its wonders. It is used during this period to loosen deep-set dirt, mildew and UV-damaged fibers. Net-Trol, as an example, will be working quickly enough – you can even see the color change as it is restoring the natural tones.
Rinse with a Pressure washer
Use a medium-bristle brush to scrub lightly in order to remove the residue that has been loosened. Rinse with clean water or pressure washer then. On huge areas, rapid rinsing will help avoid the chance of drying out before the residue is washed out.
Dry Completely
This part is crucial. The wood needs to be completely dry before new stain or protective finish is applied; this may take 24-48 hours, as per weather conditions. Hurrying this step may result in trapping of moisture and influence your results.
Protect with a Finish
The surface should be maintained with a good quality stain or sealant when it is rather dry. This last step will make your wood look fresh and will not be spoiled by mildew or UV later.
Why Use a Wood ReNewer Instead of Replacing or Painting
You might change the old boards, all right, but that costs a lot. Painting does not resolve the issue, it merely covers it. Wood renewer also restores the original color and grain of the wood at a saving cost and leaves your natural appearance intact.
It is also environmentally intelligent. Most of the products are water-based and contain low levels of VOCs thus are safe to use and will not damage your plants or the landscape around your home. With the proper care of the wood, the results are long-term.
And during that natural-wood appearance so valuable in the case with the log houses or decks, renewal maintains that homely, amazing appearance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While it is not complicated to work with a wood renewer, you can mess up everything with a couple of mistakes:
- Spot Cleaning: Do not only clean small spots; it will leave blotches on the surface.
- Direct Sunlight Should not be used on hot wood. Wash either in the morning or late afternoon
- Omit Rinse: The cleaner will leave a powdery residue if it is not thoroughly rinsed with clean water.
- Not Drying Properly: Adding stain too early causes moisture to become trapped and results in peeling or mildew in future.
- Excessive use of the Pressure Washer: The pressure washer can destroy the wood fibres. Maintain a low environment and do not stop the nozzle.
Real Results You Can See
The variation between the state of the wood prior to the application of a wood renewer and afterward can be radical. Worn gray becomes deep brown or honeyish and virtually new. Net-Trol and Wood ReNew is associated with visible changes in minutes rather than days.
And should you like to walk on your deck with bare feet, or to sit by your wooden fence, you will find it pleasant to touch the smoothness and cleanliness of the surface of your foot after it is cleaned up. It is often said by the homeowners that it is like putting in new wood without the trouble and expense. Another good thing to do is to watch the product fizz and foam whilst eliminating dirt and grime a definite indication that it is working.
When to ReNew Again
Generally, it is advised that you remove the exterior wood and renew it once or twice a year of your climate and exposure. Full sun and frequent rain areas may require attention earlier. Periodic renewal of finish will be prolonged by washing with mild soap and clean water between applications.
FAQs
What is a wood renewer and when to use it?
Wood renewer is a cleaning and brightener product that is used to refresh worn out wood. Apply it when your outdoor wood is gray or dull, or is full of mildew and dirt.
Is it possible to use a pressure washer rather than a wood renewer?
A pressure washer cleans the surface, however, it does not whiten or counteract the UV or mildew damage. Combine the two- wash first and then add a renewer to deep clean it up.
Does it harm my plants and pets with wood renewer?
The majority of the modern formulas such as Net-Trol are safe to plants when used in a proper manner. Wash greenery around with clean water before and after usage.
What is the waiting time to be stained after using a renewer?
Dry the wood to a point of full dryness, 24 to 48 hours, weather permitting.
How many times a year should I have my wood renewed?
They recommend one to two times every year to ensure that your wood remains in good condition but some of the highly exposed surfaces can require it frequently.
Conclusion: Give Your Wood a Fresh Start
Your outdoor areas at the day should be taken care of like your indoor furniture. It can be your deck, siding or log home, but whatever it is, the best and the most effective method to restore and preserve your investment is through a renewer of wood. It addresses the grayed and worn wood, removable dirt and recovers natural beauty that the weather attempted to take away.
To the U.S. homeowner, it is a pleasing weekend endeavor which has long-term benefits. When your wood has lost its shine it is time to clean, polish and seal it. And should you ever require assistance in repairing or installing of your cabinets or any other work involving woodwork, the professionals at Dr. Cabinet are on hand to assist you.
You should not wait till next season before you have a new dose ofering of boring, weather-worn boards, but you should have a wood renewer today and get all your surfaces looking good again and benefit many years to come by the beauty of real wood.